Tag: Universal

Tropical Storm Nicole

Storm forecast

Update 11/11/2022: As of today, all attractions have reopened, Florida airports have reopened, though will likely take some time for all flights to go back to normal schedules, and cruise ports are reopening, though today’s sailings will still have some impacts. Check with your travel sources for the latest information before going.

Unfortunately, Florida is in the path of another tropical storm, which is expected to turn into a hurricane as it makes landfall on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov 9-10, 2023.

Orlando International Airport has announced that it is stopping commercial operations at 4pm ET on Wednesday Nov 8, 2022. Palm Beach International Airport will close at 9am ET on Wednesday also. No information on any reopenings.

Other Florida airports have not announced closures yet but I suspect flights will still be impacted, so check your flight status if you have any travel booked thru any Florida airports this week.

Disney World has already announced phased park closures between 5-7pm ET on Wednesday night, and staying closed on Thursday. Dining reservations will end early as well. All nighttime shows are cancelled.

Fort Wilderness and other resorts that are more exposed to the elements are closing as well. If you had a reservation, you should be contacted by Disney. All other resorts will remain open.

Water parks and mini-golf at Disney World and Universal Orlando will be closing early on Wednesday and staying closed on Thursday also.

Universal Orlando has announced the Universal Orlando Resort parks and CityWalk, will close early on Wednesday, Nov 9th at 5 pm ET. The Universal hotels will remain operational.

Disney Cruise Line has announced itinerary changes for this week’s sailings in the Bahamas and Caribbean. In addition, due to the storm’s effect on the ports, arrival and departures may be changed. If you have a cruise this week, keep a close eye on your emails for updates.

I’ll update here as I hear of other attraction closures, but I think it’s safe to assume that most will do the same, and that anything on Wednesday evening and all day Thursday will have some impact. Check the locations’ websites and social media channels for the latest information.

I will also have updates on my Instagram, ADVENTURES_BY_ANNE, so follow me there as well.

Here are some weather update pages:

If you will be impacted by this, start preparing and stay safe.

Pic ©The Weather Channel

Universal Orlando phased reopening for resort guests

Universal Orlando

Here is the latest update I’ve seen from Universal Orlando.

Update as of 2pm ET on Sept 30th.

Universal Orlando update

Update as of 9pm ET on Sept 29th.

We continue to conduct assessment and recovery efforts across our entire destination with the safety of our guests and team members being our top priority. We expect to begin a phased reopen of portions of our destination for Universal Orlando Resort hotel guests only beginning Friday, Sept. 30.

We look forward to sharing additional operational updates regarding our reopen, including updates around Halloween Horror Nights and when our destination will be available to all guests. These updates will be shared as soon as possible on our website, social media and via email.

To update travel plans:

Our Guest Contact Center is experiencing high call volume and wait times. The easiest way to modify or cancel Universal Orlando travel plans, including theme park tickets and Halloween Horror Nights event tickets, is to email reservations@universalorlando.com. A Team Member will respond as soon as possible.

We appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming all guests as soon as it is safe to do so.

©Universal Orlando

*Pic credit to original post online.

Florida theme parks announce closures

Disney World

In light of the impending landfall of Hurricane Ian thru central Florida, most major theme parks have announced closures for Wednesday and Thursday. So far, Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Legoland have confirmed closures of all of their Florida parks, as well as Disney Springs and CityWalk.

I expect that all other area attractions will be closing soon as well. Depending on the results of the hurricane, the closures may be extended. Double check before you go, if you still plan on going this week.

Stay safe!

Orlando international airport closures

Orlando international airport closures

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), working in conjunction with more than 40 airlines that service Orlando International Airport (MCO), has decided that out of an abundance of caution in anticipation of Hurricane Ian, the final commercial flight at MCO will depart tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m.

If you have a flight scheduled after this time, you’ll have to work with your booking source to reschedule. Orlando is currently under a Hurricane Watch status.

Other Florida airports are due to close or have altered operations as well. Double check if you’re due to fly this week.

For more details on Orlando:

© Orlando International Airport

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios Orlando has confirmed that their super popular Halloween Horror Nights event will be back better than ever this year! It will take place on select nights between Sept 2 – Oct 31, 2022. Tickets are on sale now!

If you don’t know, this is an after hours, separate ticketed event that takes place at the Universal Studios park. It is a haunted house, frights and gore type event, so not for the feint of heart. There will be 10 haunted houses, 5 scare zones, 2 live shows, and of course, themed foods and merchandise.

If you want to get an idea of what the frights are like, search for some videos from prior years on YouTube. Definitely make sure you know what it entails.

For more details, check the official Universal site for this event:

This is a very popular event, and certain days, such as Halloween, will likely sell out quickly. Buy your tickets soon on the Universal site above if you’re planning to go.

Theme park masks are optional again

Mickey mask

Universal Orlando, Disney World Orlando, and Disneyland California just announced that masks will no longer be required in indoor attractions and settings for vaccinated guests. This is in effect already at Universal Orlando and starts Feb 17, 2022 for both Disney parks. They will still be required on transportation, such as shuttles, buses, monorails, and the Skyliner.

Here’s the text snippet from the Disney World site:

Beginning February 17, 2022, face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. We expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters. Face coverings will still be required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on enclosed Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.

UPDATE: As of March 15, 2022, masks are optional for vaccinated guests on the Skyliner also.

Here’s the snippet from the Disneyland site:

Beginning February 17, 2022, face coverings are required for unvaccinated Guests (ages 2 and older) in all indoor locations, including throughout indoor attractions and indoor queues. Face coverings are required for all Guests, regardless of vaccination status, in certain indoor settings including Disney shuttles and in health settings, such as in First Aid. Face coverings are optional for Guests in outdoor areas.

Here’s the snippet from the Universal Orlando site:

Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated guests. For guests who have not been vaccinated, face coverings are encouraged while indoors.

For the full details on this and other current restrictions, refer to the following pages from the parks:

As of this writing, Universal Hollywood and other parks have not announced any changes to their mask requirements, but be sure to check the website for each park before you go.

Universal Parks Ride Closures

Mummy ride

The months of January and February are usually when the Universal theme parks like to do annual maintenance on their rides, especially water rides. Make sure to check each parks’ refurbishment calendar when planning your trip dates to make sure a favorite ride won’t be closed.

Below are just some main ones that I’m seeing as of this writing. In the calendars, scroll down to the Temporary Ride Closures section of each park, for the days that you’re considering. You have to open these in a browser, not the Universal app, for the Closures information to show up. They’re listed right before the calendar.

At Universal Orlando, the Revenge of the Mummy ride at Universal Studios and some of the water rides at Islands of Adventure have closed for refurbishment. Shrek 4D has closed permanently.

At Universal Hollywood, the Revenge of the Mummy ride is closed.

Check the calendars often, especially if your trip is still several months or even weeks away, since closures and dates for their reopening can fluctuate often. Closures do happen year-round, not just on January and February.

Of course, this applies to any other theme parks, or any other attraction/location, that you may be interested in going to as well. Always check their websites before you lock in your travel plans and before your trip dates, for any closures and changes. Or, you can use a travel agent, like me, who will stay on top of any changes for you. 😁

Let me know if you want any help figuring these out.

Mardi Gras starting soon at Universal

©Universal

On select nights from February 5 – April 24, 2022, you can celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Orlando!

Universal is touting this year’s event as “louder, wilder, and spicier” than ever, though still family friendly.

Parade float
©Universal

The popular Mardi Gras parade will be returning this year! Catch beads flying through the air as you enjoy a dazzling Mardi Gras parade with authentic floats direct from New Orleans. This year’s parade features six brand new floats along with six traditional favorite floats.

Note: there is no Mardi Gras parade on April 1, 2 and 8.

Concert stage
©Universal

On select nights, there will be live concerts by some pretty big names, including Styx, Khalid, Marshmello, Diana Ross and more live on the Music Plaza Stage. Get there early! Check the site often for updates to the lineup.

Foods
©Universal

Of course, there will be plenty of treats, from sizzling New Orleans specialties to flavors inspired by tastes from around the world, available for purchase. Be sure to visit the Mardi Gras food kiosks located throughout the park.

Access to the parade and concerts are included with the standard park entry ticket to the Universal Studios park. Make sure that you start your day in that park, not Islands of Adventure, if you don’t have park-to-park tickets.

For more details, visit the Universal Mardi Gras page.